The Whale Trail Hike 🐳 𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟤🍩𝟤𝟩 🐳
Event Dates: 𝟏𝟔𝐭𝐡 – 𝟐𝟏𝐬𝐭 𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟕
𝟐𝟑𝐫𝐝 – 𝟐𝟖𝐭𝐡 𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟕
Start: Potberg, De Hoop Nature Reserve
Finish: Koppie Alleen, De Hoop Nature Reserve
Duration: 54 km, 5 days
Fitness: moderate to difficult (this is a relatively easy walk; you will need the endurance to complete 5 days)
Our tip: Plan and book early! While whale season is a highlight from July to December, the Whale Trail offers exceptional coastal wildlife viewing year-round. From January to June, hikers often spot
🐬 Pods of dolphins (common & bottlenose) seen regularly year-round
🦭 Cape fur seals along the rocky shores
🐧 Occasional African penguins (less common, but possible)
🐠 Rich tidal pools with starfish, anemones, octopus, and colorful marine life
🌊 Dramatic coastal conditions – crashing waves, changing seas, and ocean spray
🦅 Coastal birdlife including cormorants, gulls, oystercatchers, and seabirds
all set against quieter trails and uninterrupted ocean views. Availability is limited, and rates are reviewed annually.
Where to stay: De Hoop Accommodation
De Hoop is one of the most beautiful spaces on the coast from which to watch whales. It is also one of the least frequented, when compared to places like Hermanus, during the whale season.
What makes it so enticing is the hundred or so whales that return to De Hoop bay annually.
Up there with other highly popular hikes – like the Otter Trail – the Whale Trail is relatively young (around since only 2002). But the combination of awe-inspiring mountain and coastal walking for moderately fit hikers makes it achievable for a larger cross-section of society.
You overnight in cottages; roughing it is not part of the deal.
The Whale Trail is an unforgettable experience, taking you through one of the Western Cape’s most unique and diverse nature reserves.
The route stretches over 55km, from Potberg to Koppie Alleen, with five overnight stops (hikers spend the first night at Potberg before starting the trail). The unspoiled natural beauty on this trail is unsurpassable, leading through lush fynbos and offering stunning views of the coast.
De Hoop is known as one of the best land-based whale-watching spots in the world. Between June and November, the coastline is transformed as southern right whales migrate here to breed and look after their young.
Unfortunately, children below the age of eight are not allowed on the trail. The route is fairly strenuous, varying in intensity.
Reservations are limited to group bookings of either 6 or 12. The tariff includes the shuttle service from Koppie Alleen, where the trail ends, back to the Potberg tourism office, and the undercover Whale Trail parking area.
Expect:
✨ Ocean-view hiking
✨ Stunning, fully-equipped cottages
✨ Daily luggage transport
✨ Whale sightings in season
✨ An unforgettable 5-day trekking experience
✅ Included in the Price
✨ CapeNature Conservation & Trail Permits
All required hiking and conservation fees are covered.
🏡 5 Nights’ Accommodation
Stay in well-maintained CapeNature huts along the trail (shared accommodation).
🎒 Luggage Transport (Slackpacking)
Your main luggage is transported daily between huts, you only hike with a day pack.
🧑🏫 Pre-Hike Administration & Briefing
Includes check-in, orientation, safety briefing, and logistics coordination.
🚐 End-of-Trail Shuttle
Transport from the end point of the trail back to the starting point (Potberg).
🌿 Access to a World-Class Protected Area
Hike through one of South Africa’s most pristine coastal wilderness reserves.
❌ Not Included
🍽️ Food & Drinks
Hikers bring and prepare their own meals.
• Food crates are transported daily
• 1 cooler box is shared per group of 6 hikers
🚗 Transport to the Trailhead
You’ll need to arrange your own transport to Potberg on arrival day.
🩺 Personal & Medical Expenses
Including travel insurance, personal medication, or emergency costs.
🎒 Hiking Gear & Equipment
Boots, backpacks, clothing, headlamps, etc.
𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐥 𝐃𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐬
DAY ONE: POTBERG TO CUPIDOSKRAAL – 15 KM
The toughest stretch of the hike, ascend Potberg, and climb to the highest point of the trail. Lunch at the second crossing of the Melkhout River.
DAY TWO: CUPIDOSKRAAL TO NOETSIE – 14.7 KM
Follow the crest of the Potberg through mountain fynbos, before descending to Noetsie bay.
DAY THREE: NOETSIE TO HAMERKOP – 7.8 KM
The easiest of the five days, you only do about three hours of walking, giving ample time to explore the coastline, particularly Stilgat. Whilst you have to negotiate a chain ladder to get there, it is well worth it for the snorkeling and swimming opportunities.
DAY FOUR: HAMERKOP TO VAALKRANS – 10.5 KM
The day is mostly beach walking, which can feel strenuous. Vaalkrans lies on top of a cave.
DAY FIVE: VAALKRANS TO KOPPIE ALLEEN – 7 KM
Again a shorter day of hiking through coastal thickets with plenty of time to drink in the scenery. Hippo Pools provides great swimming.
People have seen up to 50 whales at a time in the bay at Koppie Alleen.
5 Days / 5 Nights 
Self-Guided Hike 
DIFFICULTY: 6/10
At a glance
What sets the Whale Trail apart from the rest, though, is that it offers the best land-based opportunities to spot whales
Check in: Allow some time to settle-in and watch the 20-minute Whale Trail DVD at the Reception in Portberg next to the 1st might’s accommodation. The Whale Trail DVD provides a brief outline of changes recently made to the trail.
- Slackpacking Included
